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� IW r /iiiiiitiin r�i ,�lp�ra ,rUi ✓r! r % %r %irruli.f rr,�, 9�f %rir rria.,.,; r�% r i;;, ,;, 7 /x�niiiiiiv�w /t i;,nr:;r November 13, 2003 To; Neal Beets, City Manager Fr: Carolyn Curti, Elections Coordinator Ga.�eo ykc,,� Re: Special Election The City Council is debating whether to hold a special election to ill the vacancy that will open up when Craig Klausing is sworn in as Mayor. I have strong concems about voter turnout and holding a special election in the winter. The following is a discussion of my concerns. ve 1 # Historically, voter turnout is lower in odd year elections than in even year elections, and lowest at special elections. An election in January or February would guarantee an even lower turnout. The current City Council has debated voter turnout, and it was one of the deciding factors to move to even year elections. Roseville has a high senior population, and many seniors head for wanner climates during the winter months. To ensure that ALL Roseville residents be given the opportunity to vote (including by absentee ballot), the City would have to advertise in a variety of ways. we could do an article in the wrap or include information with water bills, The Wrap would not incur additional costs, but it would not reach people who have gore south for the winter. If we included infonnation in water bills, we would incur a slight cost increase, water bills may not reach residents who live multi- family housing, and bills only come out every three months, so the City would miss a segment of the population. If we have a special election I recommend that the City send a first class postcard to all addresses in Roseville. That way we notify snowbirds and those remaining in Roseville through the winter. Cost The City would likely spend between $1 5,000 and S 18,000 for a special election (assuming no primary). Cost of the primary election was one of the major arguments for eliminating the primary and for moving to even year elections. It's contradictory to not consider cost when considering whether to hold a special election. By the way, in 2000 the City of Bloomington passed a resolution calling for a special election. In 2001 they repealed the resolution because of the cost. 660 Civic Center Drive 4* Roseville * Minnesota #::� 5511 651- 490 -2200 4b. TDD 651 - 490 -2207 * www.ci.roseviUe.mn.us